How are councils tackling coal tip safety and toxic land? MPs question local authorities on legacy of industrial past
On Wednesday 11 June, the Welsh Affairs Committee will hear from local authorities in Wales on the environmental legacy of former industrial activity.
Meeting details
The session will explore the ongoing challenges and opportunities coal tip safety and contaminated land present. Leakage of toxic chemicals and the threat of landslips continue to pose risks to human health, property, ecosystems and water quality.
MPs are likely to ask witnesses about their respective councils’ current approach to managing some of the 2,573 disused coal tips across Wales. In particular, what steps they are taking to protect local communities and those living near high-risk tips from further landslips.
They may also ask about the infrastructure challenges coal tip remediation presents, as well as the long-term cost of managing disused coal tips.
The Committee is also likely to examine the management of contaminated land across Wales. MPs may ask how local authorities are ensuring consistency and best practice, and how funding constraints have impacted site inspections. According to data provided by 11 Welsh Councils, 698 high-risk sites have been identified, of which 586 have not yet been inspected.